Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Alumni of the old St. Monica School in Lebanon, Kentucky, gathered recently to recall their formative years at the institution. Graduates from over seven decades ago attribute their success to the strict discipline and educational focus provided by the Sisters of Loretto.

Loueva Moss, a 1952 graduate, emphasized how the school’s emphasis on faith and academic skills shaped her life. "The instruction, faith formation and moral teachings became ingrained in us and we passed it down," Moss stated during an interview. She also highlighted her pride in showcasing Christ-like qualities fostered during her time at St. Monica.

A reunion held on September 14 at St. Augustine Church's Parish Hall brought together around 50 alumni along with their families. The event featured a keynote speech by Moss, recognition of three of the oldest living alumni — Grace Owens, Anna Groves, and Dorothy Burch — as well as music and dancing. Moss described the gathering as a "joyous evening."

Rose Graves was among those who attended the reunion. Her sister, Grace Owens, was honored for being one of the oldest living alumni. Graves fondly remembered reuniting with her eighth-grade best friend Arlene Montgomery during the event.

St. Monica School has its origins in a school for Black children established in 1872 by two Sisters of Loretto from Nerinx, Kentucky. It initially operated out of a one-room building on St. Augustine’s campus before moving into a new facility in 1914 under Father Joseph A. Hogarty's initiative.

George Mattingly recalled his time at St. Monica fondly despite challenges like outdated textbooks and corporal punishment practices common at that time. He appreciated how teachers aimed to guide students effectively.

Mattingly pursued higher education after graduating from St. Monica and served in the U.S Army for 22 years, attributing his achievements to his early education there.

Moss went on to become a nurse after earning degrees from both St. Mary and Elizabeth School of Nursing and Spalding University.

Several graduates have entered religious vocations including Divine Word Father Vincent Smith who became Kentucky’s first African American priest ordained according to historical records from both Loretto archives and Archdiocese of Louisville.

Sisters Margaret Mary Thorton, Clementine Hamilton, Antonella Hamilton (Oblate Sisters), Joachim Spalding (Holy Family), Dionysia Graves (Holy Family) are also noted alumnae making significant contributions within religious communities today.

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